Key Stage 4

The three year Key Stage 4 curriculum is now well established at Samuel Whitbread, with students starting their GCSEs in English language, English literature, mathematics, science, history, geography and languages from the start of Year 9.Once students have had an opportunity to try each of the option subjects during Year 9, they then decide which subjects they want to pursue and start those courses in earnest in Year 10.

Our broad and balanced Key Stage 4 curriculum offer has been designed to strike a balance between making sure students study a wide range of subjects and allowing them to develop their own interests. We have taken great care to ensure the offer at Key Stage 4 reflects the rapidly changing national picture, where GCSEs are undergoing fundamental reform. It also ensures that the academy is complying with the current government proposals, which are continuing to move towards an English Baccalaureate.

Post 16

The size of the Sixth Form at Samuel Whitbread means our curriculum offer at Post 16 is second to none. We offer 27 A Level courses and a further six Vocational courses. Following the recent government reforms to A Levels, we recommend that students study three courses (with the exception of some of the most able students and students taking Further Maths who often take four). Alongside these courses, we offer a range of extra-curricular courses including the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) which is highly regarded by Universities.

Curriculum Structure

Please click below to view the curriculum structure for the whole academy.